In addition to the significant changes you witness in energy bills and how you dress during winter, the chilly weather also affects your body. Your food preference, metabolism, and even energy levels change drastically during winter.

Winter May Actually Make You Hungrier

Many parts of the Northern Hemisphere  are chillier and darker this time of year.

Could those factors affect the foods you’re hankering for? Some researchers suspect cool weather may trigger an evolutionary relic inside us to fatten up to survive tough environmental conditions, the way many other animals do.

A previous study found that participants consumed an average of 86 more calories per day in autumn/fall compared with spring and ate more fat and saturated fat in the winter months. But the researchers who conducted that study also noted that over the course of a year that magnitude of “extra” calories was fairly small.

Another theory is that the change of season may influence the balance of some of the hormones that control hunger and appetite. A prior review that looked at data in people and in animals found that seasonal changes did affect many hormones related to hunger and appetite, including glucocorticoids, ghrelin, and leptin.

The feeling of skipping the gym and eating or drinking a warm drink kicks in.

If you feel this way, you are not alone.

However, this doesn’t mean you should do nothing and wait until summer kicks in so that you can take charge of your life.

The secret to staying healthy during winter is winterizing your diet. Here are some foods that you should try out this winter.

1.   Soup

This is one of the best food that will help you live through winter comfortably. However, you should avoid too much salt or heavy cream to get the most out of this meal. You should get recipes that include water as the base and a lot of vegetables. A hot bowl of soup with chicken broth and some vegetables will leave you rejuvenated and for my plant based Goddesses, you can add lentils, beans and even tofu to add more protein. You can pair your soup with gluten free crackers or make some homemade breads.

Try my favourite Butternut Squash Lentil Soup 

2.   Drink More Warm Non Caffeinated Beverages: Turmeric Latte

Some studies have found connections between curcumin and lower inflammation levels in the body. inflammation is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Drinking turmeric lattes regularly may help you reduce chronic inflammation and risk of these serious diseases

This golden latte is a great warming drink to enjoy before bed. the mixture of turmeric, ginger and cinnamon is so soothing and creates a delicious flavour. we love to use a milk frother to make it extra creamy but it’s also delicious just warmed through on the hob.

Try my favourite recipe from Deliciously Ella 

3.   Cauliflower and Broccoli

Apart from drinking warm drinks, eating a lot of vegetables, and engaging in fitness and strength activities, these vegetables can add to the defense against winter sickness. Both broccoli and cauliflower pack a lot of vitamin C, which enhances the immune functions. The chilly weather might pose a challenge in getting fresh vegetables. However, frozen cauliflower and broccoli pack the same nutritious benefits as fresh ones.

Try my favourite two broccoli recipes

Broccoli Soup

Lentil & Broccoli Salad

4.   Start Your Day with Porridge

The secret to remaining energized until lunchtime is taking a healthy slow-release breakfast such as porridge. You can be creative with this morning meal by adding toppings such as fruit, seeds and nuts. Moreover, some winter fruits such as berries, dates and apples can increase the health benefits of this meal.

Try my favourite Winter Warming Protein Oats

5.   Consume Root Vegetables

Finding fresh vegetables during winter can be a daunting task. However, root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and turnips can be readily available. This is because they can withstand the cold weather. Consuming these vegetables as either boiled, raw, roasted can endow you benefits such as vitamins A and C, and a boost of beta-carotene.

Try these baked sweet potatoes

Here is my favourite meal prep resource Lisa from Downshiftology for Winter Meal Prep.